Tamil schools: Whose responsibility? MIC’s or gov’t’s? – Malaysiakini

This a hard hitting Q & A session arranged by Malaysiakini, with Samy Vellu on the position of Tamil schools in Malaysia. Some of earlier assumptions by Samy Vellu is just history and without evidence, let’s hope what Samy says is correct. But after the Ninth Malaysia Plan, when Samy was in the thick and thin of all that was happening in the Government, it is hard to believe he did not raise objections, and as a gentleman he should admit his weakness if he had not done so. But knowing him, as someone who never says sorry, he is still the ‘Suthal King’ or spin master trying to evade responsibilities.

Under the Ninth Malaysia plan, development allocation per student per month is National School RM33.30, Tamil School RM10.55, and Chinese School RM4.50 per student. Back in 1949 it was English $188.88, Malay $66.84, Tamil $55.84, Chinese $8.72.

When referred to this Samy was quick to point out, Tamil schools were small and not fitted with facilities like laboratories and therefore the allocation was small. He also said once the facilities were upgraded, the government will raise the allocation per student.

When Malaysiakini asked how could the facilities be obtained when there is no allocation, Samy’s answer is vague. The allocation is done according to the language of the school and it is nothing to do with facilities. Of course Samy hides behind technical reasons rather than discrimination.

There must be honesty from a leader, the people understand when Government enforces certain rules based on language, and the leader, besides appealing, can’t do much but keep repeating the same request. We don’t expect Samy to call the Education Minister for a duel to settle matters.

You can read the portion of the allocation Q & A hereunder, and comment on my observations. At one stage Samy refers to people sitting in the house and question others. Well it is true, but then he was elected to defend the Indians and if things are known, I don’t see the rationale, why he can’t be questioned.